A pesticide applicator is a specially trained professional who is legally responsible for preparing and applying chemical pesticides to residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. The pesticide applicator uses a variety of approved tools to apply pesticides according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order to help prevent pests from damaging structures and crops. The unique chemical components included in each type of pesticide, as well as the type of pest to be treated for, determine how pesticides are applied.
To comply with legal methods of handling and applying the chemicals found in commercial pesticides, each pesticide applicator goes through a rigorous training and certification process. The type of pesticides that will be handled while performing the duties of the pest application job determines the type of training that a pesticide applicator will receive. Local environmental protection government agencies in many areas have mandated the training requirements.
On-the-job training is typically used when a pesticide applicator begins training on the proper handling and application of pesticides. The beginning pesticide applicator learns the proper handling and storage of the chemicals used under the careful supervision of a certified and experienced pesticide applicator. The trainee pesticide applicator is then taught the equipment and application methods until they have mastered them.
A pesticide applicator’s training usually lasts three to six months, after which the applicator must pass a written exam to become certified for the region in which he works. The pest applicator must then complete additional training every year in order to keep their certification. More training is required to comply with environmental protection mandates if new equipment is required to perform the pest application process.
As part of their job, some pesticide applicators must operate vehicles. A pest applicator, for example, uses an airplane to spray pesticides across large areas of crops while in the air. The pest applicator may have prior experience as an airplane pilot or be required to obtain training and licensure in the safe operation of an airplane and pesticide distribution in this manner.
Pest applicators are educated on pest habits and behavior in order to better understand how to safely eliminate pest infestations. The trained pest control applicator can effectively create a pest-free environment that is safe for people and animals.